The city of Faliro once again serves as the capital of the Rhythmic Gymnastics world. Starting from Friday 15 March and over the next ten days, the picturesque southern suburb of Athens is welcoming the world’s elite gymnasts competing in two big international events: the 9th Aphrodite Cup which started today at the Faliro Indoor Hall (aka Taekwondo) and will conclude on March 17 as well as the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup series first leg which is due to take place between 22-24 March.
The Aphrodite Cup which was first held in 2015 features its largest-ever line-up with 280 gymnasts from 32 countries across all five continents. The hosts’ national team members (team and individuals) are set to make their 2024 debut in their quest to secure an Olympic berth.
The 9th Aphrodite Cup is being held by the Gymnastics Club Armonia and is co-organised by the Hellenic Gymnastics Federation and the Municipality of Palaio Faliro, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, the General Secretariat for Equality & Human Rights, the Region of Attica and the Greek National Tourism Organisation, with Institutional Supporter the Public Real Estate Company (ETAD) SA.
Communication sponsors of the event are the national TV (ERT) and radio (ERASPOR) stations. The event is supported by the environmental organization Institute Team for the World Environmental Alliance 2004+, promotes the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and is included in the B’ tier of the Green Sports League certification system.
The competition programme of the weekend:
Saturday, March 16
08:30 – 16:25: Juniors’ Individual Competition, 2nd leg (Clubs, Ribbon)
16:30 – 17:00: Group Juniors’ Competition, 2nd leg (5 Hoops)
17:05 – 17:30: Group Seniors’ Team, 2nd leg (3 Ribbons / 2 Balls)
17:40 – 23:35: Seniors’ Individual Competition, 2nd leg (Clubs, Ribbon)
Sunday, March 17
13:00 – 14:35: Juniors’ Individual Competition Finals: Hoop, Ball
13:00 – 14:35: Seniors’ Individual Competition Finals: Hoop, Ball
14:40 – 15:15: Group Juniors’ Competition Finals: 5 Pairs of Clubs
15:20 – 15:50: Group Seniors’ Competition Finals: 5 Hoops
16:00 – 17:35: Juniors’ Individual Competition Finals: Clubs, Ribbon
16:00 – 17:35: Seniors’ Individual Competition Finals: Clubs, Ribbon
17:40 – 18:15: Group Juniors’ Competition Finals: 5 Hoops
18:15 – 18:45: Group Seniors’ Competition Finals: 3 Ribbons / 2 Balls
18:50 – 19:50: Award Ceremonies
19:50 – 20:05: Gala
20:05 – 20:20: Closing Ceremony